brutally
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B2 adverb /ˈbruːtəli/

brutally

Meaning
in a cruel, violent, or harsh manner; in a very direct and blunt way
Example
The prisoners were treated brutally by the guards.
C1 noun /ˈmæksɪm/

maxim

Meaning
a short, well-known statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
Example
Honesty is a timeless maxim valued in every culture.
C1 noun /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃/

penchant

Meaning
a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something
Example
She has a penchant for collecting rare books.
C2 adjective /hərˈmɛtɪk/

hermetic

Meaning
Completely sealed, especially so that no air can enter or escape.
Example
The medicine was kept in a hermetic container.
C2 noun /meɪs/

Mase

Meaning
spice obtained from the reddish seed covering of the nutmeg seed
Example
A pinch of mace adds warmth to the dessert.
C2 noun /kəˈdɛnzə/

cadenza

Meaning
An elaborate solo passage in a piece of music, usually near the end.
Example
The pianist performed a brilliant cadenza before the final movement.
A2 noun /ˈɪn.sekt/

Insect

Meaning
a small invertebrate animal with six legs and usually one or two pairs of wings
Example
The butterfly is a beautiful insect that flies from flower to flower.
C2 noun /ˈsælvoʊ/

salvo

Meaning
A simultaneous discharge of guns or release of bombs; a sudden outburst of cheers or applause.
Example
The soldiers fired a salvo to honor the fallen general.
C2 adjective /ˌhɜːrkjʊˈliːən/

herculean

Meaning
Requiring great strength or effort; very difficult to perform.
Example
It was a herculean task to rebuild the city after the disaster.
C2 noun /nɪb/

nib

Meaning
the pointed end of a pen used for writing or drawing
Example
He dipped the nib into the ink before writing.
B2 verb /prɪˈskrʌɪb/

prescribe

Meaning
to recommend or authorize the use of something, especially medicine
Example
The doctor prescribed medication for my cold.
C2 noun /ˈpʌndʒənsi/

pungency

Meaning
The quality of having a strong, sharp taste or smell.
Example
The pungency of garlic filled the kitchen.
B1 noun /ˈkæp.ɪ.təl/

Capital

Meaning
the most important city or town of a country or region; wealth in the form of money or assets
Example
Paris is the capital of France and also a major financial capital.
B2 noun /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/

adaptability

Meaning
The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or circumstances
Example
Adaptability to changing environments is crucial in business.
B2 noun /ɒdz/

odds

Meaning
the likelihood or probability of something happening; chances for or against something
Example
The odds of winning the lottery are very low.
B1 noun /treɪd/

trade

Meaning
The action of buying and selling goods and services.
Example
Trade agreements foster economic development.
A2 adverb /ˈhɑːd.li/

Hardly

Meaning
scarcely; barely; almost not at all
Example
I could hardly believe what I was seeing.
A2 noun /mɔːl/ or /mæl/

mall

Meaning
a large building or series of connected buildings containing shops and restaurants
Example
They went to the mall to buy new clothes.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːr.tɪn/

Martin

Meaning
small swift-flying bird that catches insects on the wing
Example
The martin built its nest under the bridge.
C2 noun /ˌɪnvəˈluːʃən/

involution

Meaning
a complicated or intricate form or state; in biology, the shrinking of an organ after its function has finished
Example
The story was full of involution, making it hard to follow.
C2 noun /ˈkloʊtʃər/

cloture

Meaning
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Example
The Senate invoked cloture to end the lengthy debate.
B2 adjective /ˈhɪli/

hilly

Meaning
having many hills; characterized by hills or slopes
Example
The village is located in a beautiful hilly region.
C1 noun /voʊɡ/

vogue

Meaning
the prevailing fashion, style, or trend at a particular time
Example
Minimalist design is currently in vogue.
C2 noun /tʃəˈmeɪ.li/

Chameli

Meaning
a variety of jasmine flower with small white fragrant petals
Example
The chameli flowers are commonly used to make garlands and perfumes.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.ʃən.əl/

Optional

Meaning
not compulsory; left to choice
Example
Wearing a tie is optional for this event.
C2 noun /ˈfɪli/

filly

Meaning
a young female horse
Example
The filly ran swiftly across the meadow.
A1 noun /ˈɑːnti/

aunty

Meaning
the sister of one’s father or mother; a term of respectful address for an older woman, especially in South Asian usage
Example
My aunty lives near our house and often visits us.
A2 noun /ˈɡʊdnəs/

goodness

Meaning
the quality of being morally good or virtuous
Example
Her goodness was evident in the way she treated others.
C1 noun /streɪt/

strait

Meaning
A narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water.
Example
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
B1 adjective /ˌælfəˈbɛtɪkəl/

alphabetical

Meaning
Arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet.
Example
The names were listed in alphabetical order.
A1 adjective /fʊl/

full

Meaning
Containing as much or as many as possible; complete.
Example
The glass is full of water.
C1 noun /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/

inmate

Meaning
a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital
Example
The prison has over a thousand inmates.
C2 adjective /juːˈfoʊniəs/

euphonious

Meaning
Pleasing to the ear; having a sweet sound.
Example
The poet's euphonious language made the verse a delight to read.
C2 verb /ˈfʊl.mɪ.neɪt/

fulminate

Meaning
To express strong protest or criticism loudly and forcefully; to explode violently.
Example
The politician began to fulminate against corruption.
B2 noun /ˈsɛnsəs/

census

Meaning
An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.
Example
The government conducted a census to update demographic data.
C2 noun /oʊf/

Oaf

Meaning
a clumsy, stupid, or insensitive person
Example
Don't be such an oaf - handle the dishes carefully!
B2 noun /ˈsɪnəmən/

Cinnamon

Meaning
aromatic spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species
Example
Cinnamon is often used in baking and desserts.
A1 adjective /ˈdɪf.ər.ənt/

different

Meaning
Not the same as another; distinct or unlike.
Example
Her opinion was completely different from mine.
B1 noun /ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈkɛtəl/

Electric Kettle

Meaning
An electrical appliance that heats water quickly using electricity
Example
The electric kettle automatically turns off when the water starts boiling.
A2 verb /weɪst/

waste

Meaning
To use or spend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose.
Example
Social media often leads to wasting valuable time.
A2 noun /ɪˈkwɪpmənt/

equipment

Meaning
the necessary tools, machines, or other items needed for a particular purpose
Example
The laboratory bought new equipment for research.
B2 adverb /ɪnˈɛvɪtəbli/

inevitably

Meaning
in a way that cannot be avoided or prevented
Example
Inevitably, the team faced challenges during the project.
C2 noun /ˈʌp.wel.ɪŋ/

upwelling

Meaning
An oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
Example
Upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/

inoffensive

Meaning
Not likely to offend or provoke; harmless.
Example
His inoffensive remarks kept the conversation friendly.
B2 verb /əˈstaʊnd/

astound

Meaning
to greatly surprise or amaze someone
Example
The magician's final trick astounded the audience.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/

impropriety

Meaning
Failure to observe standards of honesty or modesty; improper behavior.
Example
The politician was accused of financial impropriety.
C1 adjective /ˈsɜːrpənˌtiːn/

serpentine

Meaning
Having the shape, movement, or qualities of a serpent; winding or twisting.
Example
The road took a serpentine path through the mountains.
B2 noun /ˈmɪz.ər.i/

Misery

Meaning
Great mental or physical suffering; extreme unhappiness or distress
Example
The poor family lived in complete misery after losing their home.
B1 noun /ˈklɪn.ɪk/

clinic

Meaning
A place where people receive medical treatment without staying overnight.
Example
She went to the clinic for a health check-up.
B2 adverb /ˈprez.ənt.li/

Presently

Meaning
at the present time; soon; in a little while
Example
The doctor will see you presently.
C1 verb /ɡɔːr/

gore

Meaning
to pierce with horns or tusks; spilled blood
Example
The bull gored the matador during the fight.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 adjective /ˈkʌlpəbl̩/

culpable

Meaning
deserving blame or responsibility for a wrongdoing
Example
The judge found him culpable for the accident.
C1 adjective /səˈtɪrɪkəl/

satirical

Meaning
containing or using satire to criticize or mock
Example
The satirical cartoon mocked the government's new policy.
C2 adjective /ˌæntɪˈmʌndeɪn/

antemundane

Meaning
Existing or occurring before the creation of the world.
Example
Some myths speak of an antemundane chaos before order was established.
B2 adjective /ˈpɔɪn.tɪd/

Pointed

Meaning
having a sharp end; direct and unambiguous
Example
She made a pointed remark about his behavior.
A2 adjective /ˈsɛvrəl/

several

Meaning
more than one but not many; a few
Example
Several people attended the meeting yesterday.
A1 verb /neɪm/

name

Meaning
to give a title or designation to someone or something
Example
They decided to name their baby Sarah.
C1 noun /ˈəʊ.nəs/

onus

Meaning
A duty or responsibility, especially a heavy one.
Example
The onus is on the government to provide relief to the victims.
C2 verb /tæmp/

tamp

Meaning
to press down tightly by packing
Example
He tamped the soil around the plant to secure it.
C1 adjective /ˈwoʊ.fəl/

woeful

Meaning
full of woe; very sad or miserable; also used to mean very bad or deplorable
Example
He gave me a woeful look when he lost the match.
C2 noun /ˈfiːəlti/

fealty

Meaning
loyalty or allegiance, especially to a sovereign or lord
Example
The knight swore fealty to his king.
A2 noun /ˈpoʊst ˌɒfɪs/

post office

Meaning
a public building or agency where mail is sent, received, and other postal services are provided
Example
I went to the post office to mail a package.
C1 noun /ˈkɒndjuɪt/ or /ˈkɑːnduɪt/

conduit

Meaning
a channel or pipe for conveying water, electricity, or information
Example
The cable was placed inside a protective conduit.
C1 adjective /ˈnɪp.i/

Nippy

Meaning
cold; chilly; quick and agile in movement
Example
It's quite nippy outside today, you should wear a jacket.
A1 verb, noun /kraɪ/

cry

Meaning
To shed tears as an expression of emotion such as sadness or pain; also a loud call or shout.
Example
The baby began to cry when she was hungry.
C2 verb /ˈdɪðər/

dither

Meaning
to be indecisive or unable to make a decision
Example
He dithered for hours before choosing a restaurant.
C1 adjective /ˈpʊʃi/

pushy

Meaning
excessively assertive or aggressive, often annoyingly so
Example
The salesperson was too pushy, which drove customers away.
C1 noun /ˌeɪ.li.əˈneɪ.ʃən/

alienation

Meaning
The state of being isolated or estranged from a group or activity.
Example
The new policies created a sense of alienation among employees.
C2 noun /ˌfoʊ.nəˈlɑː.dʒi/

phonology

Meaning
the study of the sound system of a language
Example
She is studying phonology to understand how sounds function in English.
C2 noun /ˌɡrɛnəˈdɪə/

grenadier

Meaning
A soldier who specialized in throwing grenades; later used to describe an elite infantryman.
Example
The grenadier stood proudly at the front of the regiment.
C1 verb /mæʃ/

mash

Meaning
to crush or mix food into a soft mass, usually by pressing or beating
Example
She mashed the potatoes before serving dinner.
B2 noun /ˈklaɪ.mət əˌdæp.teɪ.ʃən/

climate adaptation

Meaning
The process of adjusting to current or expected climate change and its effects.
Example
Climate adaptation ensures resilience to change.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.təˈvɛn.ʃə.nɪ.zəm/

interventionism

Meaning
Government policy of active involvement in economic affairs.
Example
The central bank's interventionism helped stabilize inflation.
B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈveləpt/

Undeveloped

Meaning
not yet developed; immature or primitive
Example
The undeveloped land was later turned into a park.
C2 verb /rɪˈkjʊə/

recure

Meaning
to cure again; to remedy a second time
Example
The doctor had to recure the wound after it reopened.
C1 adjective /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/

ornamental

Meaning
Serving as decoration; decorative rather than functional.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants.
C1 noun /ˈæbsɛs/

abscess

Meaning
A swollen area within body tissue containing pus, usually caused by infection.
Example
The dentist treated the abscess in his tooth.
A2 noun /dʒɔɪ/

Joy

Meaning
a feeling of great pleasure and happiness; a person or thing that causes delight
Example
The children's laughter filled the house with joy during the holiday celebration.
C2 adjective /fəˈloʊniəs/

felonious

Meaning
relating to or involved in serious criminal activity
Example
He was charged with felonious assault after the incident.
C2 noun /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C1 noun /ˌɒk.sɪ.dʒɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

oxygenation

Meaning
The process of supplying or treating with oxygen.
Example
Deep breathing exercises improve oxygenation of the body.
C1 noun /ˈsɛpərətɪst/

separatist

Meaning
A person who supports the separation of a group from a larger body, often for political or cultural independence.
Example
The separatist group demanded independence from the central government.
C1 noun /ˈɜːr.θən pɒt/

Earthen pot

Meaning
a container made of baked clay or earth, used for cooking or storing
Example
The earthen pot keeps water naturally cool in summer.
A2 noun tuːlz

Tools

Meaning
A device or implement used to carry out a particular function.
Example
You can use online tools like FamilySearch to create a family tree.
C1 noun /ˌluː.brɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

lubrication

Meaning
The action of applying a substance to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
Example
Lubrication of the eyes is essential for well-being.
B2 noun steɪks

stakes

Meaning
A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground.
Example
The stakes were high for the success of the project.
C1 verb /dɪˈvɒlv/

devolve

Meaning
To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.
Example
The responsibility will devolve on the new manager.
C1 adjective /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/

grotesque

Meaning
comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
Example
The sculpture was so grotesque that it frightened the children.
A1 noun /striːt/

street

Meaning
a public road in a city or town, typically with buildings on one or both sides
Example
He walked down the street to the park.
B1 noun /ˌek.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/

Explanation

Meaning
a statement or account that makes something clear; clarification of meaning
Example
The teacher gave a detailed explanation of the complex mathematical concept.
C2 noun /ˈætəmaɪzər/

atomizer

Meaning
A device that sprays liquid into a fine mist.
Example
She used an atomizer to apply the perfume evenly.
C2 noun /kəˈpærɪsən/

caparison

Meaning
an ornamental covering for a horse; rich and elaborate clothing or decoration
Example
The king’s horse was adorned with a golden caparison.
B2 noun /ˈfaʊn.tən/

Fountain

Meaning
a natural spring of water; an artificial structure from which water flows
Example
The fountain in the park attracts many visitors.
B2 adjective /veɪn/

Vain

Meaning
having excessive pride in one's appearance; futile or unsuccessful
Example
She spent hours in front of the mirror being quite vain.
B2 verb /kreɪv/

crave

Meaning
to have a strong desire for something
Example
She craves adventure and often travels to remote places.
B2 noun /ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/

Margin

Meaning
The edge or border of something; an amount allowed beyond what is needed
Example
Please write your notes in the margin of the page.
C2 noun /noʊl/

Knoll

Meaning
a small rounded hill or mound
Example
The old oak tree stood majestically on top of the grassy knoll.
B2 noun /ˈmʌs.tərd/

Mustard

Meaning
A pungent seed or condiment made from ground mustard seeds
Example
She added mustard seeds to the curry for extra flavor.
C1 verb /ˈsɛvər/

sever

Meaning
to cut off or separate, especially by cutting; to end a connection or relationship
Example
He had to sever ties with the company after the dispute.
A2 noun, verb /ˈsɛntəns/

sentence

Meaning
A set of words that expresses a complete thought; or a punishment given by a court of law.
Example
The judge gave him a five-year prison sentence.
A2 adjective, noun /dɛd/

dead

Meaning
No longer alive; the end of life.
Example
The old tree is completely dead.
C1 adjective /sɛkˈtɛəriən/

sectarian

Meaning
relating to or characterized by the differences between sects, often leading to conflict
Example
The region has been troubled by sectarian violence for decades.
A2 adverb /dəˈrɛktli/ or /daɪˈrɛktli/

directly

Meaning
in a straight line or manner; without anything in between
Example
She spoke directly to the manager about her concerns.
C2 noun /ˌkiː.təʊˈdʒen.ɪ.sɪs/

ketogenesis

Meaning
The metabolic process by which the liver produces ketones from fatty acids, providing an alternative energy source during low carbohydrate availability.
Example
Ketogenesis occurs during fasting or low-carb diets.
C1 noun /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/

paranoia

Meaning
an irrational and persistent feeling that people are 'out to get you' or are constantly watching you
Example
His constant paranoia made it hard for him to trust anyone.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɑːrt/

depart

Meaning
to leave, especially to start a journey
Example
The train will depart at 9 a.m.
C1 noun ˌpriː.dɪs.pəˈzɪʃ.ən

predisposition

Meaning
A natural tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or condition.
Example
Genetic factors can influence a person's predisposition to diseases.
C2 noun /ʃəˈɡrɪn/

chagrin

Meaning
Distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
Example
She left the room in chagrin after forgetting her lines.
A2 noun /ˈmʌŋki/

Monkey

Meaning
a primate mammal that typically has a long tail and lives in trees
Example
The monkey swung from branch to branch in the jungle.
C2 verb /lʌɡˈʒʊrieɪt/

luxuriate

Meaning
to enjoy something in a self-indulgent way; to take pleasure in great comfort
Example
She luxuriated in the warm bubble bath after a long day.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
A1 determiner/pronoun /boʊθ/

both

Meaning
referring to two people or things together
Example
Both of the children were excited about the trip.
C1 adjective /kənˈteɪ.dʒəs/

Contagious

Meaning
likely to spread to and affect others; infectious
Example
Her laughter is contagious and makes everyone smile.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpræktɪkəbl/

impracticable

Meaning
Not capable of being carried out or put into practice.
Example
The plan seemed impracticable due to limited resources.
C1 adjective /ˈpærəmaʊnt/

paramount

Meaning
more important than anything else; supreme
Example
Safety is of paramount importance in this factory.
A2 noun /frɪdʒ/

fridge

Meaning
a household appliance used to keep food and drinks cold to preserve freshness
Example
I put the milk back in the fridge after breakfast.
B2 verb, noun, adjective /prɑːmpt/

prompt

Meaning
To cause someone to take action; done without delay.
Example
His speech prompted the audience to ask questions.
B1 preposition /ˈvaɪə/ or /ˈviːə/

via

Meaning
through, by way of, or using a particular route or means
Example
She sent the documents via email.
A1 noun /pɪɡ/

Pig

Meaning
a domestic farm animal with a short curly tail and a flat nose
Example
The farmer fed the pig in the pen.
B2 verb aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪd

identified

Meaning
To recognize or establish who or what someone or something is.
Example
The root causes of the issue need to be identified.